Things All Dog Owners Should Know
Being a dog owner comes with a lot of responsibilities. I have a admit, when I got my very first puppy Juju at 17, I had no idea what was to come. Each day goes by, I learn a little bit more from her. After nearly 12 years with my precious girl, she taught me how to be a better owner. Here are the things all potential and new dog owners should know.
It’s Not All Sunshine and Rainbows
The first couple of months of being a new dog owner definitely requires some real adjustments. When the initial first-day shyness wears off, the adjustment period begins. If you have met puppies before, you’d know that puppies are a force to be reckoned with. Their shark attacks are cute until they put their mouths on everything they can get a hold of. The teething period, unfortunately, is completely normal for puppies from 8 weeks to a year old. Don’t freak out just yet! With proper training, you can overcome this period. Here are some tips to get you through the teething period.
Now, teething is not all there is, young puppies require a lot of attention especially for the first 5 months. So, get ready for the crying and the potty training!
For potty training, you have to put your new pup on a tight schedule and monitor their every move around the house. As soon as they sniff around and stops, you have to take them outside for a potty break or your floor will suffer the consequences.
For the crying, it’s inevitable. I often describe puppies as newborn babies because they don’t like to be alone, and they love your attention. Personally, I don’t recommend sleeping with a puppy on the same bed because you can accidentally squish their tiny little bodies in your sleep. If you are a deep sleeper like me, crate training is very important right off the bat. It’s going to be hard initially as it always starts with a lot of crying and barking. So, If you are looking to get a new puppy, make sure you take some time off from work because you’ll need it.
Start a Dog Fund and Buy Pet Insurance
It is important to put away at least $30 a month in savings for your dog’s veterinarian care, and it’s also very important to purchase pet insurance for emergencies. I cannot stress enough about pet insurance because I learned this lesson the hard way. You see, I was fortunate to have a healthy dog for almost 12 years without any incidents. However, in the 11th year, my dog, Juju, got very sick. With the laboratory assessments and the medications, hundreds of dollars in vet bills started to accumulate. The most frustrating aspect, however, was with all the money spent, the vet couldn’t provide a definite diagnosis to save my dog. In the end, I was left devastated and broke. If pet insurance was an option at that time, it would have helped a great deal.
Dog Proof Your House
Got a fence with holes underneath? Cover it up. The last thing you want is your dog running loose on the street and getting injured by oncoming traffic. It’s great that your dog loves to explore around. However, some fun explorations can end in catastrophes like the one just mentioned. Therefore, it is crucial to dog-proof your house prior to getting a dog.
The same goes for garbage cans because it too can be a potential for a disaster. If you have a dog, buying a garbage can with a lid is a good idea. The lid will protect your dog from getting into food scraps that can do some serious damage to their health. You can find out more information about the most common toxic food to dogs here.
Oh yes, don’t forget to remove wires and chewable items from their sight. To be on the safe side, limit their area with a baby gate when you leave the house to ensure that all your belongings will be safe and sound.
No Human Food
Do not give your dog human food because once they experience human food, they most often never go back. It’s very likely you’ll end up with a stubborn picky eater on your hand. Plus, human food contains a large amount of salt and ingredients that can hurt your dog.
I know it’s hard to resist when those big precious puppy eyes stare at you during dinner time, but don’t give in! You can do it!
Their Physical and Mental Health Matters
Did you know boredom is a common cause of bad behaviors in dogs? So, what do we do? The answer is exercise! Depending on the breed, each breed’s exercise requirement may be different. A good rule of thumb is at least two 30 minute walks a day with a 10-minute walk in between. In addition to meeting your dog’s physical exercise needs, their emotional needs need to be met as well. This means you can’t leave them alone for an extended period of time, and that you’ll have to provide plenty of love, mental stimulation, and playtime to ensure their mental wellbeing.
Aside from the physical and emotional requirements, the choice of food is important. I’m not saying all commercial dog food brands are bad, but it’s crucial to dig in and do some research to exclude the non-quality brands that may lead to long term health issues. As a dog owner myself, I trust natural ingredients. You can learn how to make a balanced healthy meal for your dog here.
Hard Work Pays off
If you are still in the adjustment phase and your pup is driving you crazy. Trust me, it’s all going to be worth it at the end. If you put in the hard work, the hard work will eventually pay off.
Training a dog is not as easy as sending them to a trainer and watch the magic happen. Trainers are invaluable when it comes to teaching you the proper training techniques. However, they can’t be with you 24/7, so you’ll have to be the one that puts in the hard work and reinforces the training techniques at home.
They Grow Up So Fast
In a blink of an eye, dogs go from cute little furballs that can fit in your pocket to a full-size adult. The puppy period goes by very fast, so take lots of pictures when they are still teeny tiny.
Boy, do I miss the pink paws and the puppy breath.
A Lifelong Commitment
Getting a dog is a lifelong commitment that requires hard work and dedication. If you can’t be there for them at their worst, you should reconsider before getting a dog.
I’ve seen countless videos of owners abandoning their dogs on the internet, and the frustrating part is that the reasons for the abandonment can often be solved with a little bit more patience and training. Before you get a dog, you need to understand that dogs form a very special bond with their owners, and losing their owners is a very traumatic experience.
It’s Hard to Say Goodbye
No one prepared me for a goodbye. It was the hardest thing I had to do in life. To this day, 4 years later, I miss my dog Juju every day. I often think of her because she was there for nearly 12 years from my teens to my twenties. I’ve gone through many life obstacles with her, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Having your dog by your side is the most precious time. So treasure every moment and love your dog the way they deserve to be loved.
